Head of IT in Leatherhead

As Head of IT, you will lead the organisation's technology and digital strategy, ensuring that the team deliver exceptional service and operational excellence. This is a hands-on leadership role, requiring a balance of strategic vision and hands-on management, ensuring IT systems underpin design, engineering, production and all support functions within the organisation, combining technical expertise with a strong focus on people development, collaboration, and innovation within a tight budget.

You will lead our established Service Delivery, Infrastructure & Security and Application teams and seek to continuously improve the in-house IT function by identifying new and improving processes and initiatives to support our growing organisation. Your remit will include developing and maintaining the organisation's IT strategy, aligning technology initiatives with business goals, and driving innovation to optimise processes and deliver business value. You'll act as a strategic partner to other departments, identifying and implementing digital solutions that support their operations.

The role involves managing the evolving design, implementation, and maintenance of IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, and databases, while ensuring systems are scalable and reliable to support future growth. You'll also be responsible for hardware and software asset management, cybersecurity strategy, governance and regulations. You'll manage the IT budget, oversee vendor relationships, and lead IT projects from planning through to execution. Collaboration with cross-functional teams will be key as you implement organisation-wide software solutions and systems, identify challenges and opportunities, and execute change management strategies.

Regular management information reporting on performance, system uptime, ticket volumes, security incidents, and project progress to senior leadership is expected. You'll also play a vital role in coaching and developing rising talent within the IT team, fostering a culture of continuous learning and high performance to keep the team up to date with the latest technologies and industry trends. Our organisation operates with high demands on service availability, high security and compliance and therefore this position requires a blend of technical knowledge, leadership ability, and strategic insight to navigate the complexities of the digital age, in line with our organisation.

• Strategic Planning: Develop and Execute IT Strategy – Define and implement a comprehensive IT strategy aligned with business objectives, driving operational efficiency and innovation across the organisation.
• Stakeholder Management: Partner with key stakeholders to support the delivery of transformational change initiatives.
• People Leadership: Lead and develop a high-performing team – Inspire, manage, and mentor a multidisciplinary IT team, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Governance, Compliance & Risk Management: Establish IT policies, maintain regulatory compliance, oversee cybersecurity, disaster recovery and business continuity planning.
• Budget Management: Oversee the IT budget, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to support strategic initiatives while maintaining cost efficiency.
• Overall management of day-to-day IT operations across the organisation; ensuring projects are delivered, day-to-day operations run smoothly and excellent levels of service are maintained.
• Drive transformation initiatives: Lead large-scale IT projects, including system upgrades, process improvements and automation, balancing hands-on delivery with strategic oversight.
• Collaborate with stakeholders: Partner with senior leadership, business units and external technology providers to ensure IT solutions support business goals and enable data-driven decision-making.

• Senior IT Leadership Experience: Proven track record in a senior IT role (Head of IT, Senior IT Manager etc).
• Technology Expertise: Strong knowledge of IT infrastructure, enterprise systems, cloud solutions, cybersecurity and emerging technologies.
• Budget Management: Strong vendor and budget management experience, experienced in cost optimisation.
• Project Delivery & Transformation: Demonstrated success delivering large-scale IT projects and driving transformation initiatives.
• Strategic & Hands-On Leadership: Ability to balance long-term IT strategy with hands-on operational oversight and team management.
• Team Leadership & Development: Experience leading multidisciplinary, diverse teams, fostering professional growth and high engagement.
• Stakeholder Management: Skilled at collaborating with senior leaders, business units and external partners to deliver impactful technology solutions.
• Process Improvement & Automation: Experience streamlining operations, improving processes and implementing technology-driven efficiencies.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication, capable of engaging local teams and international stakeholders.

We offer multiple benefits to our HQ employees including: flexible working, hybrid working, competitive salary, life assurance, private healthcare, enhanced pension contribution, enhanced leave, employee assistance program, onsite free lunches and refreshments, free onsite gym, free onsite parking, 26 days holiday (increasing with length of service), mental health clinics, support for continuous professional development, employee discounts and more.